Specific Goals are SMART Goals- Bucketlist University

So, you’ve sat down, figured out your core values and are itching to start your bucket list. Congratulations! You’re on your way to crossing off your goals in no time at all!

But can I be frank with you? Achieving goals is challenging, but the rewards are amazing!

Just like you need to set your goals based on your core values, setting SMART goals will allow you to see the road to success more clearly and direct.

So to start off the second instalment of Bucketlist University, today we’ll be looking at putting the S in SMART goals, be specific!

SMART Goals

Actually, let’s step back a little. What is a SMART goal? Well, a SMART goal stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely.

The beauty of following this framework for setting you goals is that they are much more likely to succeed than an unfocused goal!

Specific Goals

I’m sure many of you are in school, and are told on the regular how important it is to be specific in your work. Whether it is in an essay or an algebra question precision is expected for success. Well the same goes for your goals.

I sure know I could lose a few pounds after the holidays, but a not SMART goal would be to get fit. Instead working on the core value I believe in, fitness, if I set a specific goal of running a 5 km race in 30 minutes, I can now work towards a specific goal.

Making Specific Goals

A simple method to setting a specific goal is by answering these 6 W’s.

What: What do I want to accomplish?

Why: Specific reasons, purpose or benefits of accomplishing the goal.

Who: Who is involved?

Where: Identify a location.

Which: Identify requirements and constraints.

The more information the better! When you lay out the guidelines for your goal, taking the next step is inevitable!

Before you know it from making your goal specific, you will begin to subconsciously work towards it through your everyday decisions and choices!

Interested in finding out more on SMART goal setting? Stay tooned! In the next few weeks we will be adding to our Bucketlist University series and guiding you on your bucket list journey.

PS: We found this great infographic on goal setting! It is illuminating!

Great graphic from OnlineEducation.net breaks down the realities of goal setting.

Sara is the marketing and community outreach coordinator for Bucketlist.org. She is passionate about all things travel, culture and sports, and is excited to start knocking off some of her bucket list dreams in the near future. Connect with Sara by emailing sara@bucketlist.org or linkedin.com/in/sararuthnum.
Check out Sara's bucket list here http://bucketlist.org/list/sara.ruthnum/